There is a phenomenon among amputees called “phantom limb,” in which the person still feels the missing limb is attached to the body and moving. Typically the sensation is a painful one, according to Wikipedia.
That pretty much describes where I am these days, except it’s “phantom mom.” It’s the frequent split-second thought, reaction, or movement…when I expect to see or hear her. Or I turn to the phone to call. Or I check email to see if there’s anything from her. Or I drive up to the house, expecting to see her at the door. In the same breath I realize that she is, of course, not there. Still.